Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Once fall rolls around, pumpkin pie spice seems to make its way into everything—and for good reason! The warm combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves adds that familiar cozy flavor to pumpkin bread, muffins, oatmeal, coffee, pancakes, and, of course, pumpkin pie. Making your own homemade pumpkin pie spice is incredibly easy and takes just a few minutes. You may even already have everything you need in your spice cabinet. I also love making my own because I can adjust the amounts of the individual spices to my liking. For me, that means going a little lighter on some of the stronger spices, like nutmeg, while still getting all of that familiar pumpkin spice flavor.

While pumpkin may be the star of this post, it certainly isn’t the only flavor that makes its way into our kitchens as we transition from summer to fall. Apples and pears are also popular fall favorites, and I love finding ways to incorporate all of these seasonal flavors into different dishes. Pumpkin might not be my personal favorite, but there’s something fun about embracing the flavors of the season as the days start to cool down and we slowly make that transition from summer into fall.

Ingredients: Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the main spice in this blend and provides the warm, sweet flavor we most associate with pumpkin spice.
• Ground Ginger: Ginger adds a little warmth and gentle spice that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon.
• Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg brings a slightly nutty, warm flavor and is an important part of that classic pumpkin pie spice taste.
• Ground Allspice: Despite its name, allspice isn’t a combination of spices. It’s a single spice that has flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it a natural addition to this blend.
• Ground Cloves: Cloves have a strong, warm flavor, so a little goes a long way. They add depth and that distinctive holiday spice flavor.

Instructions: How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

1. Combine the spices. Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to a small bowl.
2. Mix well. Whisk or stir the spices together until they’re evenly combined.
3. Store. Transfer the pumpkin pie spice to a small airtight container or spice jar. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

That’s it! You now have your own homemade pumpkin pie spice ready to use.

Why Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Making your own spice blend might seem unnecessary when you can easily buy pumpkin pie spice at the grocery store, and honestly, buying it is completely okay! But if you already have the individual spices in your pantry, mixing them together takes almost no time. It’s also a great way to use up spices you already have rather than buying another jar of a pre-made blend. And because you control the proportions, you can adjust the blend to your liking. Want more cinnamon? Add it. Prefer a little less nutmeg? Reduce it. There’s no one “right” way to make your pumpkin spice blend.

How to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

Once you have a jar of homemade pumpkin pie spice, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for it more often than you expected. Try adding it to:

• Pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin bread or muffins
• Oatmeal
• Overnight oats
• Pancakes or waffles
• French toast
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Coffee or lattes
• Smoothies
• Energy bites
• Granola

You don’t necessarily need a recipe that specifically calls for pumpkin pie spice, either. If you’re making something with pumpkin, apples, oats, or another fall-inspired ingredient, a little of this spice blend can add warmth and depth.

How Long Does Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Last?

Like other ground spices, pumpkin pie spice doesn’t necessarily “go bad” quickly, but the flavor and aroma will become less potent over time. For the best flavor, use spices that are relatively fresh when making your blend and store the finished mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. Tip: If you’re not sure how old your individual spices are, give them a quick smell. If the aroma is very faint, it’s probably time to replace them.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Because this blend contains several strong spices, you don’t need a lot to add plenty of flavor. Start with the amount called for in your recipe, and you can always add more if you want a stronger spice flavor. And don’t feel like you have to reserve pumpkin pie spice just for pumpkin recipes. This is one of those simple pantry staples that can add a little fall flavor to so many foods. Make a batch, keep it in your spice cabinet, and you’ll have it ready whenever the craving for something warm and cozy hits.

Recipes to Use Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
• Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oats
• Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
• Homemade Granola

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